Devastating 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Myanmar and Thailand
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale shook Myanmar and Thailand on Friday afternoon, causing widespread devastation and heavy casualties. Initial reports indicate that more than 150 people have lost their lives due to the disaster.
Extent of the Damage
The earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, resulting in the collapse of various buildings, bridges, and infrastructure across the region. Video footage shared on social media highlights a dramatic scene, including the collapse of a high-rise construction site in Bangkok, Thailand, where a crane fell and damaged adjacent buildings. Some structures in Myanmar, particularly a monastery and sections of critical highways, also succumbed to the tremors.
Casualties and Displacement
As of the latest updates, at least 144 fatalities have been reported in Myanmar alongside 10 in Thailand. Over 100 individuals remain unaccounted for, and the disaster has left approximately three million people displaced from their homes.
International Response and Challenges
Efforts to assess the full impact of the earthquake in Myanmar are complicated by the ongoing civil conflict in the region, which serves to restrict the flow of accurate information. Mohammed Riyas, the International Rescue Committee’s director in Myanmar, expressed concern, stating, “We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake.”
“Earthquake sum up 3pm (Myanmar/Thailand)
– 7.7 quake hit near Mandalay/Myanmar
– Hundreds of homes collapsed (various Myanmar cities)
– Strong shocks in Thailand + multiple building collapse in Bangkok
– USGS predicts thousands of people dead
(Bangkok clips from social media:)”— Florian Witulski (@vaitor) March 28, 2025
Reactions to the Disaster
Officials across affected regions expressed their condolences and addressed the disaster’s implications. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit remarked, “It’s a great tragedy. In my lifetime, there was no earthquake like this in Bangkok.”
Continued Assessments
Responses from international agencies and local government bodies are ongoing as they strive to provide relief and support the affected communities. The focus now shifts toward recovery efforts and the monitoring of aftershocks as officials work to understand the disaster’s full ramifications.
“7.7 magnitude earthquake hits Southeast Asia, mainly impacting Myanmar and Thailand.”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 28, 2025
Conclusion
This devastating seismic event reminds us of the vulnerability of communities situated in tectonically active regions. With recovery efforts underway, the true extent of the damage and loss of life will take time to uncover, raising concerns for many in the affected areas as they begin to rebuild in the aftermath.